The 10 Best Tool Aprons
Editor's Notes
July 10, 2020:
There aren't many manual professions that don't require some form of clothing protection. Even simple tasks such as gardening or cooking dinner can cause unwanted damage and staining. The aprons featured in this review are suitable for a whole range of jobs, as they are all equipped with multiple pockets and holders that are designed to keep tools, fasteners, utensils, and devices close at hand.
Before choosing the right tool apron for you, there are several things to consider, and first of all is job type. It goes without saying that a gardener doesn't need an apron to be as heavy-duty as, say, a welder. The QeeLink Split Leg and the Fightech Leather are the most hard-wearing options we looked at. They are both made from leather, making them fire and heat-resistant, however, they typically have fewer pockets than their canvas counterparts. The Zhongpai Shop Apron, on the other hand, is made from denim, which is more lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it a good choice for chefs or artists.
Another consideration is pocket necessity. The tools you will be carrying and how quickly you need to access them will help you decide how many pockets you need and how deep they should be. The NoCry Heavy Duty, the Horusdy Work Apron, and the Under NY Sky Oxford Canvas all have multiple pockets and pouches of different sizes, and are an ideal choice for tradesmen such as electricians. The Briteree Woodworking and the Vulcan Workwear Utility Apron are made from heavy-duty canvas that is abrasion and puncture-resistant but are equipped with only a few pockets.
Finally, a comfortable option is essential for a good day at work, so the kind of straps used and the method of fastening should be suited to the task at hand. A regular neck strap, such as the one found on the Vulcan Workwear Utility Apron is OK for shorter periods but, once the pockets are loaded with heavy items, may cause pain or fatigue to the neck and shoulders. A better choice is an apron with padded shoulder straps and a cross-back harness, which helps to distribute the weight evenly. The Dickies Workshop Bib and the Horusdy Work Apron are good examples that feature shoulder support with a yoke fitting at the back, whereas the Ergodyne Arsenal 5706 has only a waist strap, which offers greater maneuverability, but loads the weight on the hips.